The Asian tourism stalwart is very much like the rest of Asia when it comes to cultural and traditional rites, festivals and ceremonies. With a multiethnic population residing within its geographically limited, multifaceted shores, Singapore is always celebrating something or the other. The Dragon Boat Race is considered one of the biggest water sports festivals in the country and you will find that the locals know to mix serious competition and rivalry with merriment and fun. The tradition of racing in dragon boats commenced over twenty centuries ago in the south of China, now it has spread all over the world and is practiced in the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa as well. The original human powered craft was made out of teak wood and …

Festivals are a resplendent affair in the land of the Thunder Dragon with people dressed in the finest hand woven material, coral and turquoise jewels. One of the most significant festivals is the Tsechus which is held in all districts once a year on auspicious days of the Bhutanese calendar in honor of Guru Rinpoche who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The dance dramas and masked dance rituals last up to as long as four days with hundreds or even thousands of Bhutanese gatherings at monasteries to watch. Monks as well as community dancers gather to form the parade of masked dancers. The monks prepare for months in advance in deep prayer and meditation and perform special mystical dances that are believed …

The Poson Festival natively referred to as Poson Poya in Sri Lanka celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to the country during the third century BC. It is a significant historical event to the country where majority of people practices Buddhism as their religion. The Mihintale rock plays a significant role during the Poson Festival which is held during the month of June, since it is said that it was in Mihintale where King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka was converted to Buddhism by the Arahat Mahinda who came from India. With this legend Mihintale has become the main site for festive activities during Poson and many locals and foreigners visit Mihintale during this season to perform religious rites as well as for leisure. There are many …

Popularly known as JFFF, Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival is possibly a fashionista’s and a foodie’s dream event! During this festival time base yourself at a Jakarta hotel such as Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta to enjoy a range of exclusive Jakarta hotel deals. The Fashion Extravaganza of JFFF presents spectacular fashion shows, fashion competitions, independent designers, workshops of the latest international trends and more. The fashion competitions see the participation of hundreds of fashion entrepreneurships, models and designers. With the eclectic fashion extravaganza and food festival, JFFF excites your senses with a celebration of the rich and diverse culture of Indonesia. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new …

Predicted to become one of the top tourist destinations, the strikingly unique Saadiyat Island is bound to mesmerize any first time visitor! A traveler enjoying the exceptional level of accommodation Abu Dhabi, specially at a hotel in Abu Dhabi such as Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara cannot afford to miss a visit to the one of a kind attraction, Saadiyat Island. Get an insight into the plans for this marvelous destination with a visit to Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition. Tracing the plans for a maritime museum, performing arts centre, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, the exhibition highlights how the Cultural District will become the most expansive single concentration of premier cultural institutions in the world. Thanuja Silva is …

Indulge in a Bangkok Cruise Tour to get a unique perspective of the city. Bangkok Cruises offered by Anantara Cruises are a popular choice in this regard. When in the city, a visitor cannot afford to miss the chance to experience its unique festivals. Celebrated throughout Laos and northeast Thailand by ethnic Lao people, the Rocket Festival customarily features musicians, dancers, competitive processions of floats, other performances and more. Home-made rockets are fired competitively on the third day of the festival. The gigantic skyrockets are part of this custom. These skyrockets are basically large black-powder bottle rockets. Traditionally the rockets are made from bamboo bongs.